Park Tools

Operating Hours & Seasons

All cave tours at Jewel Cave are scheduled, ranger-guided, and require a minimum of two visitors. Tickets are required to enter the cave, and are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Monument. Tour tickets are limited and cave tours do sell out at any time of the year. When planning a visit to Jewel Cave, it is important to know there is no food service (except vending machines) at the Monument.

Beginning December 1, 2014, the Visitor Center will be CLOSED on weekends and the following winter Federal holidays: Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and Presidents' Day. In the event of inclement weather during the work week (Monday - Friday), visitors are advised to call ahead at (605) 673-8300. Visitor Center hours of operation are subject to change during severe weather.

Wild Caving Tour will be offered during this off-season. Reservations are required and should be made in advance (2 - 28 days) by phone. NOTE: Tour available at 11:00 a.m. (check-in) on the following dates: December 19, January 16, February 20, March 20, and April 17. The reservation deadline for each date is the Wednesday prior to the scheduled tour.
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Spring Tour Schedule (March 23, 2015 - early May, 2015):

Visitor Center open Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
NOTE: Due to limited staff this spring season, the Monument is closed on weekends.

Historic Lantern Tours may begin on Thursday, June 4 at 9:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. depending on the following statement.

NOTE: Due to unpredictable weather conditions and the presence of hibernating bats, Historic Lantern Tour dates may be suspended into mid-June. Interested participants should contact the visitor center in early June for a firm schedule.

A Wild Caving Tour may be offered at 11:30 a.m. in early June. Tour dates are determined by staff availability to conduct this tour.

Wild Caving Tour will be offered at 11:30 a.m. daily, except for Sunday and Friday. Reservations are required and can be made 28 days in advance. Check in time at the visitor center is 11:00 AM. NOTE: Would you like a real adventure? Anyone over the age of 16 can take part in our Wild Caving Tour. Call us for details about this tour.